A fish and chip shop worker who was sacked after she was accused of stealing from the till has been awarded more than $10,000 compensation.

In a decision released today, the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) ruled the worker was unjustifiably disadvantaged in her employment and unjustifiably dismissed.

Rachel Stephens worked as a shop assistant at The Fish and Chip Shop in Palmerston, near Dunedin, from June 1, 2012 until she was dismissed on February 11, 2013.

She was employed part-time, and had negotiated hours so she could care for her children.

On January 7 last year, one of the shop's directors, Natasha Bates, handed her a written warning in a letter.

It referred to her lateness, use of a cellphone while working, issues with attitude and using swear words in the kitchen area, issues around cleaning the floor, smoking at work and payment of food and drink, the ERA decision said.

The next week, Stephens encountered a family issue which meant it would be difficult to combine work and childcare, and told Bates she thought her job was in jeopardy.

Bates wrote another letter advising Stephens her shifts had changed, and said her youngest child could sometimes stay out the back of the shop.

She again referred to Stephens' attitude and other issues raised in the previous letter, and said she was "trying to help [her] out", but it was her "last chance".

On February 8, Bates advised Stephens and another employee there had been a shortfall in the till of $50.80.

Stephens thought Bates held her responsible for the missing money, the ERA decision said.

A few days later Stephens arrived at work late and saw both Bates and the co-director, Christopher Arbuckle, present.

Stephens said she wanted to have a meeting to discuss the letter and missing money, but Bates said she was not prepared to do this.

Stephens said, "well you better hope your till is not down today then".

Bates later returned to the shop with a letter addressed to all staff, asking them to be more careful with money counting and transactions.

She told Stephens she had not been impressed with her attitude.

Stephens said she remained calm, but Bates said she felt she had to ask Arbuckle to come to the store because of comments she made, the decision said.

When Arbuckle arrived, Stephens said she accepted she had arrived late on occasions and used a cellphone. She had hoped to discuss the issues at a proper meeting, the decision said.

But Bates said she felt Stephens' attitude, including the comment she made about the till, was inappropriate and said she could no longer have Stephens in the shop.